Brisbane Olympics 2032: Toowoomba Equestrian Centre bid gathers steam as treasurer throws weight behind project

The Garden City has primed itself to become part of a once-in-a-lifetime event, and The Chronicle, Toowoomba’s top leaders and stakeholders are pushing for an Olympic venue in seven years’ time.

A new $54m world-class equestrian centre in Toowoomba would not only bring the Olympic Games to the Darling Downs in 2032, but also turn the city into a sporting and economic powerhouse on the back of vital infrastructure.

The Garden City has primed itself to become part of a once-in-a-lifetime event, and The Chronicle, Toowoomba’s top leaders and stakeholders are pushing for the Toowoomba Equestrian Centre to become an Olympic venue in seven years’ time.

Under the plan, the Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland would expand on its existing TEC plan to be able to hold dressage, showjumping and eventing at the Toowoomba Showgrounds in Glenvale.

The Chronicle’s tireless campaign has encapsulated this advocacy, which started as a dream held by Toowoomba’s political and economic figureheads in 2021 see the Games arrive in our backyard.

This dream appears more likely by the day, after Queensland treasurer David Janetzki announcing he would push for the venue to be included in revamped list of Olympic venues.

Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Mr Janetzki has made a submission to the Games independent Infrastructure Coordination Authority 100 Day Review, calling for an upgraded Toowoomba Showgrounds to be a venue for the 2032 Games.

That review was initiated after the 2024 election and will hand down its findings on March 9

Mr Janetzki said Toowoomba deserved its fair share of the return from the 2032 games.

“I recognise the independence of the 100-Day Review and the importance of taking the decision-making for the Games out of the hands of politicians,” he said.

“As the Member for Toowoomba South, the Toowoomba Equestrian Centre of Excellence is our chance to build infrastructure that is truly in character, that will last for generations.

“I am all in for the Toowoomba Equestrian Centre of Excellence.”

Until now Mr Janetzki has been quiet on whether he would back the centres role in the games, despite the Toowoomba Chronicle campaigning for the Garden City to host events.

Mayor Geoff McDonald added his voice to the calls in December, with the Toowoomba Regional Council making its submission to the review.

National Working Equitation champion Ellie Stenzel with her six-year-old connemara Costalota Tiggy Winkle at Toowoomba Showgrounds, Thursday, December 12, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“As a region, we understand the global exposure southeast Queensland will gain as the host of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the lasting and sustainable legacy that will come from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said at the time.

“However, at present, our Toowoomba region is not being considered a host for any events in Brisbane 2032.”

PROPOSED: A new plan has been put forward by Equestrian Queensland and the Royal Agricultural Society Queensland to turn the Toowoomba Showgrounds into an equine centre of excellence.

Other Toowoomba leaders backing the plan include Groom MP Garth Hamilton, Toowoomba North MP Trevor Watts, Condamine MP Pat Weir and deputy mayor Rebecca Vonhoff.

The economic, social and sporting benefits are highlighted in the RASQ’s own submission to the 100-day review, which estimated the total upgrade to cost $54.6m.

This would include the construction of more than 120 new stables, formalised parking and camping, replacement indoor arena surfaces, lighting, a four-star cross-country course, new indoor arena and campdrafting facilities.

According to the submission lodged last month, the TEC would run at a profit of nearly $500,000 every year.

The RASQ said hosting the Olympics in Toowoomba would inject nearly $11m into the city’s economy and deliver key long-term social and sporting benefits to the region.

“As usage ramps up in four stages, the TEC is expected to host up to 126 events annually, with over 40,000 visitors generating financial and economic returns at full capacity,” the submission said.

“The increase in event frequency and visitor numbers is forecast to lead to sustained growth in tourism and local spending, contributing directly to regional economic development.

“The TEC could significantly boost the equine industry in the region.

“With the horse breeding, training, and racing sectors in the Toowoomba region already generating around $20 million annually, the TEC could attract national and international events, increasing trade and tourism.”